Dynamic Link Library or DLL files are used by Windows operating systems and other software on them to store executable program codes. These files can be shared among multiple software programs and are loaded only when a software needs to use them. The main benefit of these files is that they help in the better use of system memory and disk space. Although beneficial, due to the presence of hundreds of DLL files on a Windows computer, there can many different reasons for DLL errors.
- DLL errors, such as missing msvcr71.dll error may occur when a buggy program using the file is installed on the system and a healthy version of a DLL file is overwritten with a buggy one.
- DLL errors, such as framedyn.dll error may occur if there is problem with the folder in which your DLL files reside.
- DLL errors may also occur if there is a problem with the system configuration information required by the files. This includes problems with the system registry and system variables.
- Some DLL errors may occur when a supporting software or driver is not installed. For instance, xvidcore.dll error may generate when you try to play an XviD media file and you have not installed the XviD codec that is required to play the files.
- Physical problems with hardware devices may also generate DLL errors when you attempt to use this hardware.
- Malware infections may alter DLL settings in the Windows registry or add malicious codes to DLL files and thereby generate errors.
If the occurrence of DLL errors becomes quite frequent, your system is said to be in DLL hell.
When you first start receiving DLL error messages, the first thing that you need to do is to write down the error message. You can use this error message to search for a possible solution to your specific problem. You can search for a solution on the Microsoft knowledgebase and other third-party message forums or user-help resources.
The following are some of the common tasks that you can perform to prevent and repair DLL errors.
- If the error follows a program removal, reinstall this program to see if the error goes away. If it does, you may uninstall the program again but must retain the files removing which generated the errors.
- In case a program installation caused the error, try to search for a program update to repair the error. You may also search for the required version or the DLL file on the Internet. If you get one, you may download and copy it to the file’s folder to try and resolve the error. If nothing works, you may use the System Restore utility to revert your system settings back to the time when it was free from errors.
- To prevent errors due to problems within the system hardware, you must regularly use a good diagnostics tool to check your hardware for problems on a regular basis.
- You must regularly update your operating system, applications and device drivers to prevent errors due to outdated files.
- It is recommended that you use a good registry tool to regularly scan, clean and repair your registry and thus, prevent errors due to damaged registry files and entries.
- Last but not least use efficient and updated antivirus and antispyware tools to scan, detect, remove and prevent malware infections that cause DLL errors.
